Ronnie Spector, the teenage protector who became Phil Spector’s former wife, spoke out after his death Sunday, calling him a “brilliant producer but a crappy husband.”
In a post on Instagram, the 77-year-old Ronettes frontwoman said, “It’s a sad day for music and a sad day for me.”
“When I worked with Phil Spector and saw him create in the recording studio, I knew I was working with the very best. He was in complete control and led everyone. So much to love about those days. Meeting him and falling in love was like a fairytale. The magical music we have been able to make together is inspired by our love. I loved him dearly and gave my heart and soul to him. “
The “Be My Baby” singer, who has spoken at length about the abuse and revenge she suffered at the hands of her ex-husband before and after their divorce in 1974, also referred to the bad times.
“As I said before when he was alive, he was a brilliant producer, but a worthless husband. Unfortunately Phil was unable to live and function outside of the recording studio. Darkness fell, many lives were damaged. I still smile when I hear the music we made together, and I always will. The music will be forever. Phil Spector 1939-2021, ”she wrote.
Ronnie, who was married to Phil for six years, has previously accused him of pulling a gun at her, forcing her to sign a divorce deal that would allegedly take her out of future records, and even lobbied the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame not to induce.
She also claimed he kept a golden chest in the basement and told her he would kill her and put her in it if she ever tried to leave him.
The couple’s three adopted children also said they were abused by the deceased erratic record producer.
Born Veronica Bennett in Harlem, Spain, she met the Bronx native when she was 18. In love with her voice, the producer quickly transformed her into the glamorous and rebellious singer who broke the charts nine times in the 1960s.
The couple married in 1968 and divorced in 1974, three decades before Phil murdered actress Lana Clarkson.
With Post Wires